What are the risks of doing a border run to activate a visa in Thailand while an application is pending?

Question

I have a question, probably a dumb one.
I know we are supposed to stay in the country we submitted the application.
I've also seen some people who went in Thailand before getting the visa, then do a border run to activate the visa.
Is there any issue so far? I just want to know the level of risk. Thank you. Cheers!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The question raises concerns about the risks involved in leaving Thailand to activate a visa while an application is pending. Community responses indicate that there is a significant level of risk, as staying in the country during the application process is generally advised. Several comments suggest that individuals might face scrutiny upon re-entry, particularly if the immigration officer notices discrepancies in their travel history. Some embassies may require interviews or documentation to verify travel activities, and recent trends suggest increased vigilance in monitoring these activities. Ultimately, while some expats share successful experiences with this approach, caution is advised due to the potential for visa cancellation or complications during entry.

Henrik ***** · Answer

Best way of loosing the 10.000 baht fee

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

I did it successfully. I knew the risk and took it. My reason was that I had dependents and we couldn't manage to stay out while my main application and then 4 dependents were processed afterwards (too much cost and kids missing school). So I went on my own, landed and applied for main applicant on a Friday, few back to Thailand on the Sunday. DTV approved thereafter. Next trip will be with wife and kids somewhere else and we'll stay for theirs too be approved, then we all start our DTV on the way back in.

Greg ****** · Answer

Why assess the level of risk for something that is now allowed? More and more embassies are requesting interviews, and you will still have a record of your movements, whether it’s on your passport with an exemption stamp or in their system. The day they wish to be annoying about it, they potentially could.

Biff ******* · Answer

There’s more risk if you’ve been living in Thailand, pop over to Vietnam, lodge an application then head straight back to Thailand on either visa exempt or whatever you had previously. Once you get your DTV then you bounce to activate it there’s a chance you’ll get questioned as it’s obvious what you’ve done.

Someone recently posted they arrived on visa exempt from a European country because they thought their DYV application would be denied. Then it was approved.

With the stamps in their passport I would imagine that that DTV activation bounce would attract less scrutiny.

Sean ******* · Answer

More risky now than 3 months ago because of the amount of people doing it. I expect them to clamp down on it soon. One option would be to check your entry stamps to see if you were in Thailand when the visa was issued. Then question you and get 20k baht entry fee.

Derry ********* · Answer

I just did a blog about this ( I own a muay thai gym)

[url redacted]

Helen ******** · Answer

It also depends on the embassy, some state on their websites that you must remain in country while the visa is in process.

AllSabai ****** · Answer

It is a luck game

So if you play get ready to win or lose.

And it your luck get you away of the embassy

You might not be lucky when you enter at the airport and the IO check your passport deeply and find out that you were in while the visa was under a process.

So, get ready to that probability as well

Greg ******** · Answer

It does seem lately that certain countries arexasking people for interviews or copy of all pages of passport. That was Vietnam. Taipei now require you to go to Immigration Department and get a certificate. As for level of risk that is up to you as to what level you accept. Choose a country with a quick turnaround. Have a holiday. Thailand will be here when you get back.

John ********** · Answer

The risk is that your application gets cancelled. I've seen people being asked to supply copies of every page in their passport to ensure they haven't left the country, and others get asked to attend in person for an interview. Best to sit it out

Wesley ******** · Answer

All you need to know is that there is a level of risk.

What are the risks of doing a border run to activate a visa in Thailand while an application is pending?

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